(Welsh Government, 2016-18)

The aim of the Employability Skills programme is to support unemployed adults to get a job and to stay in work by improving their employability skills. The core content of the programme is a high-quality work placement or employer specific training which is combined with work preparation training, and essential skills. The evaluation was a formative assessment of the design and initial implementation of the Programme, to inform the development of the programme and the development of the new, Welsh Government all-age employability programme.

(British Film Institute / Creative Skillset, 2015 and 2018)

Arad has recently completed a final evaluation of the four-year Film Skills Strategy that aims to create jobs and strengthen the skills base of the UK film industry. The evaluation, which built on our mid-term evaluation, examined the economic and creative impact of the strategy through surveys of individuals and employers who participated in the training and interviews with key stakeholders across the film industry.

(Welsh Government, 2017-19)

Progress for Success funds existing workers to undertake recognised childcare and play qualifications to increase their skills levels, aiming to raise the quality of provision offered to young children. The evaluation aims to assess whether the programme is meeting its overall objectives and whether the model of delivery is effective, as well as assessing the impact of the programme childcare workers’ skills. The evaluation involves large-scale fieldwork with stakeholders, training providers, employers in the childcare sectors and childcare workers undertaking qualifications.

(Welsh Government, 2018-20)

This programme aims to develop talented individuals to support a more strategic approach to talent management across public services in Wales. Graduates are employed for up to two years, during which time the graduates undertake three significant placements within public services combined with academic teaching and learning. The programme also includes a new masters-level course focusing on leadership and governance within public services. Arad’s work involves developing a theory of change for the programme, assessing whether recruitment, implementation and activities have been effective, and discussing implications for future initiatives.

(Brecon Beacon National Park Authority, 2014-18)

Skills in Action is a three-year project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Skills for the Future programme. There are three delivery partners: Brecon Beacon National Park Authority, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Torfaen County Borough Council. The Skills in Action traineeship provides annual placements with the aim of providing individuals with hands-on work-based experience in conservation/estate management. The evaluation of the project involves research with trainees to measure distance travelled and with staff delivering the project to gain a more in depth understanding of their experience of the project.

(National Training Federation for Wales, 2015)

Arad, in association with Deryn, was commissioned by the to undertake research into the value of apprenticeships in Wales. The research examined the impact of apprenticeships on individuals in terms of skills, career progression and earnings. It also considered impacts on companies as well as some of the wider benefits to the economy.